Which Form of Birth Control Is Right for Me? 

Choosing the right birth control method may seem simple or daunting, but it always helps to understand your options.

Board-certified family medicine physician Jennifer Ukwu, MD, offers women’s health services, including contraceptive management, at Botany Wellness in Pearland, Texas.

Levels of protection

Birth control methods vary in terms of protection. Other issues to consider include:

• How often do you have sex?
• Are there any side effects?
• Will birth control also protect you from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)?

Dr. Ukwu helps you weigh the pluses and minuses of each type before deciding.

Birth control options

Dr. Ukwu offers several forms of birth control, including:

Birth control pills 

The pills contain estrogen, progestin, or a combination of both hormones and must be taken daily to stop pregnancy. Most women return to their normal cycle soon after stopping the pill. You’re also able to get pregnant within 1-3 months.

Hormone injections

The doctor injects progestin every three months to prevent pregnancy. Progestin prohibits your ovary from releasing an egg, It also thins the lining of your uterus to further prevent an egg from sticking to the uterine wall.

Since it only contains progestin, it’s a good way to avoid estrogen. It’s also slightly better at controlling pregnancy than the pill. Plus, it helps reduce premenstrual syndrome (PMS) as well as the risk of pelvic inflammatory diseases (PID), an infection of female reproductive organs.

Hormonal patch

Worn on your upper body, buttocks, or lower abdomen, this small patch releases estrogen and progestin to inhibit ovulation.

Vaginal ring

You insert a ring, consisting of flexible material, into your vagina each month. It remains in place for three weeks until you remove it during the week of your period. The ring spreads estrogen and progestin into your bloodstream to stop ovulation.

Dr. Ukwu also discusses less invasive birth control methods, such as:

• Male and female condoms
• Diaphragm
• Cervical cap
• Sponge
• Spermicide

Before deciding, you and Dr. Ukwu evaluate each method and consider your health and preferences.

Side effects

Each type of birth control has pros and cons. Hormones in birth control pills, for instance, could trigger:

• Headaches
• Acne
• Visual disturbances, such as aura migraines
• Changes in your menstrual cycle
• Weight gain due to fluid retention and/or increased appetite
• Mood swings

A small percentage of women taking estrogen-based birth control may experience more serious issues, such as high blood pressure, heart attack, or pulmonary embolism. The combination pill may be a better choice, depending on your medical history.

It’s crucial to discuss any concerns with Dr. Ukwu before choosing your birth control method. She monitors you to assess any side effects and ensure the birth control works correctly.

Making the right birth control decision

Dr. Ukwu also considers:

• Whether and when you want children
• Concerns about potential weight gain due to hormones
• Which methods help protect you from STDs

She also discusses costs and other reasons one type might outweigh another.

To learn more about contraceptive methods or discuss other health care issues, schedule an appointment at Botany Wellness by phone or online today.